Search - Camel :: Stationary Traveller (Reis)

An Interstellar Paean to the Cosmos!

R. Lindeboom | Paso Robles, CA USA | 06/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though Camel's later albums -- Dust and Dreams, Harbour of Tears, Rajaz -- are much more 'even', this album is one of Camel's very best. It has intense, brooding pieces like 'Vopos', which is builds layer upon layer until its intensity demands the attention of all in the room; then again, the closing track, 'Long Goodbyes' is one of the most beautiful pieces of rock music ever recorded. Andy Latimer's lead guitar work at the end of 'Goodbyes' sounds as if he were stepping to the edge of the planet and pealing off some interstellar paean to the cosmos. Breathtakingly beautiful but scalding at the same time! Roy Wood's lead work at the end of 'If I Were Made of Music' from Annie Haslam's solo 'Annie in Wonderland' is the only thing that I can compare it to. Many of the other tracks on this album are also quite good -- the openner builds the mood quite well, leading into an exploration of many synthesizer sounds and a richly textured blend of Andy Latimer's guitars and flutes. Ton Scherpenzeel of Holland's highly praised progreesive band, 'Kayak,' brings in his keyboards and synthesizers and his classical training is in evidence richly throughout this album. This album has the pop edge of all that made Alan Parsons Project so succcessful but also has the dark, brooding sensibility of a Pink Floyd project. But this is no derivitive band by any means! Camel is Camel is Camel -- and there is no other band like them. If you have Genesis, Pink Floyd, Kansas, Renaissance, Yes or any of the other progressive bands in your collection and you've missed Camel, you've missed a true prog gemstone! These guys are brilliant and while this one is all over the road, it's a rowdy and sometimes beautiful joyride through the countryside. Just sit back and enjoy the ride! The view is glorious!"

Powerful

R. Lindeboom | 02/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is one album of Camel to have this is the one. Beautiful and powerful, it ranks in my top ten albums of all time. Some great instrumental work. If you like Pink Floyd and Alan Parsons add Camel to your collection - they're better."

The Masterpiece!

R. Lindeboom | 08/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every album of them is great, and I think this is their best. If you are unfamiliar with progressive rock, this might be a good start. Very accessible, but still beautiful. I always wonder why Camel has been much less popular than Genesis or Yes."